Sheriff news releases

School bus driver accused of slapping child

April 16, 2015

Summary

A bus driver for the Highline School District has been accused of slapping a 6 year old special needs student in the face.

Story

A bus driver for the Highline School District has been accused of slapping a 6 year old special needs student in the face. After a joint investigation with the district, last week King County Sheriff’s Office detectives recommended charges of Assault 4th degree against the school bus driver to the SeaTac Municipal Prosecutor’s Office, who will make a filing decision.

The incident was reported to SeaTac Police on March 18th by school district employees that viewed the bus surveillance video from the afternoon routes on March 10th. Police and school security officers initially responded to a disturbance on the bus on March 10th. At the time there was no indication that an assault occurred. Following the incident, the student was taken home by school district security

An internal review of the bus surveillance video by district officials showed the driver slapping the child, who was standing on a seat at the time. District officials immediately contacted SeaTac Police. The King County Sheriff’s Office Special Assault Unit worked with Seatac Police, given their special experience with juvenile interviews.

Police have been told the 62 year old female bus driver has been driving buses for Highline Transportation since 2012. The driver was placed on administrative leave by the school district.